13 JULY 1901, Page 25

James Watt. By William Jacks. (For private circulation.) —James Watt

was certainly an "illustrious Scot." He showed the national characteristics at their best,—intensity, courage, inexhaustible patience. Watt was born at Greenock on January 18th, 1736, his father and mother being both far above the average in conduct and ability. His mind was of no narrow kind; he excelled in the arts as well as in science ; but his bent from early years was to mechanics and physics. He had no easy path to success; capital was unintelligent and labour grossly incompetent and unskilful ; but 'lie made his way to fortune at last, one of the few inventors who have reaped as well as sown, Dr. Jacks tells his story in a clear and interesting fashion.